On Sunday, August 19, guests can visit The Henry Ford Museum for FREE to celebrate National Aviation Day. The museum, parking and all activities will be free of charge thanks to the generosity of Delta Air Lines. The hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Soar into the first 40 years of flight on this celebratory occasion. One of the most miraculous periods of discovery will thrill you with iconic and history-making aircraft from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation’s collection.

Special activities throughout the day include paper airplane making, wind tunnel testing and rocket making.

Nothing screams summer in metro Detroit quite like a visit to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. This place is amazing for kids, adults and history lovers alike, and always top of my list when entertaining out-of-town visitors.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 reasons to visit this summer, but believe me — I’ve left off a ton. See the entire calendar of fun here. In the meantime, here’s a few excuses to get you to make the drive to this Dearborn gem!

10 Reasons to Visit The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village This Summer

Join a historic forest ranger in Greenfield Village for a day of one-of-a-kind outdoor activities, including an afternoon nature hike, presentations by our historic forest ranger on horseback, tours of the William Ford Horse Barn and other hands-on activities. {Free with GFV ticket admission}

Little learners have the opportunity to get a head full of STEAM {science, technology, engineering, art and math} with this hands-on program. Designed for curious preschoolers, our inspired yet playful activities focus on themed materials and then expand outward with storytelling, crafting, building and artifact exploration.

Visit the Village for historic base ball {yes, it used to be two words} based on the rules of 1867. Gloves optional, but certainly not preferred. No designated hitters, either, or domed stadiums. We still have pitchers and batters and home runs. But this is thrill-a-minute base ball in the glorious outdoors. {Admission included with GFV ticket.}

Coolest Playground EVER

The playground in the middle of Greenfield Village is such a neat space and is made for kids of ALL abilities. Stop and picnic on the grass nearby and grab an ice cream next door, too! Also, don’t forget to take a ride on the beautiful and historic carousel.

Each month, THF will stay open late on select Thursday nights to rediscover popular classics and cult films from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Experience them again on the Giant Screen. Pricing ranges $7.50 for kids – $10 for adults.

Visit the Ford Rouge Factory for a special event catering to those with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other sensory processing disorders. A variety of accommodations, activities and more have been put into place to create an inclusive, welcoming and safe space for all.

A classic Independence Day celebration complete with picnics, games, fun for kids and festive holiday food from the award-winning culinary staff. Each evening has a joint concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band, the premier touring musical representatives of the United States Army. The finale is the DSO’s stirring rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, played in harmony with authentic cannon fire under a canopy of fireworks. {Tickets are separate cost. Pricing here.}

Educational Experiences Daily

From glass blowing and tin making to historical games and old time school sessions, there is plenty of learning to be found at both The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. {I love learning how they farmed…It makes me tired just to think about it!}

Visit The Henry Ford Museum for FREE thanks to Delta Air Lines! Soar into the first 40 years of flight on this celebratory occasion. One of the most miraculous periods of discovery will thrill you with iconic and history-making aircraft from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation’s collection.

If you can make it, I highly suggest you go. Our family went last weekend and had an absolute blast. Seeing how excited all the kids were to really ride on Thomas was the highlight of my week! So adorable and what a fun way to see through the eyes of a child again. Thomas was so cool…I honestly think most of the parents/grandparents were just as excited as the kids!

Of course you will ride the train, but there is a plethora of other Thomas-themed activities that were going on as well, including watching mini trains {the kids thought this was awesome}, a photo-op with Sir Topham Hatt himself, a magic show, live music and more. The kids even got blue train cookies, which they loved.

Additional tips if you go:

Bring a stroller, even if your child is a little older — especially if you plan to walk around. Greenfield Village is a big place for little feet, and you may need to park a ways away as well.

If you have an infant or a little one, a carrier is another good option while in crowds. Our 21-month-old stayed in hers nearly the entire time. {Thanks hubby for being so tough!}

There are lots of great places to eat, but if you have little ones who can’t sit still, bring a picnic. There are lots of beautiful green spaces to sit, including by the live music.

Check out the brand new playground — it’s such a neat space and is made for kids of ALL abilities.

Visit the carousel! Tickets are $2 for adults and children 4 and under ride FREE.

My girls got a kick out of wearing Thomas shirts. We found some on clearance at Old Navy for $6, so that may be an option for you as well! {They are boys’ shirts but they could care less and have already worn them again!}

Enjoying the 101-year-old carousel with my big kid. All the animals are hand painted and just gorgeous!

I hadn’t been to Greenfield Village in a few years, and never with kids, so it was fun exploring with the kids in tow. They loved seeing parts of the working farms on the grounds, including the sheep, horses and cows. Being the history lover I am, I enjoyed peeking inside the Wright Brothers bike shop and Henry Ford’s boyhood home. The docent inside each building are such an incredible wealth of knowledge and I always learn a ton every time I go. {Fun fact: Ford’s home took years to come together since he was adamant that everything, even the kitchen stove, were exact to his childhood.}

I definitely need to plan a trip again soon without the kids so I can fully take it in. Such an incredible place that Michigan is lucky to have!

All in all, if you can make it to see Thomas, DO IT. It’s not a free day by any means, but believe me — if your kid likes trains and Thomas, they will love this, and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than going to Disney World! Kinley is already begging to go back again 😉